5 alternative creative classes in London to keep you calm

There’s never a better time than the present to try your hand at something new – especially if it’ll help you to feel calm.

From paper marbling to caring for a Bonsai tree, there are plenty of creative classes around the city (and further afield) that can cater to your every creative whim.

Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill or simply need to find a calm place to be creative, we’ve found a few workshops that’ll allow you to do so.

Peruse our edit below of the best classes and workshops around right now that our ideal for a beginner or an expert alike.

Go on, give a new creative endeavour a go.

Paper marbling

As it turns out, paper marbling is dying out. Due to the rise in digital printing and mass production, not many people are using the art form on a daily basis – except for Marmor Paperie founder Lucy McGrath.

Based in a studio in south east London, she teaches people about the traditional art of paper marbling. During a workshop, you’ll learn how to ‘paint on water’ and by the end of it, you’ll have created 16-20 beautiful papers to take home with you.

When: the half-day workshops usually take place on a Saturday from 10:30am until 1pm.

Pottery

If you’ve always thought about taking part in a ceramics class then Turning Earth is the ideal place to start. Located in Lea Bridge (and Hoxton), the open-plan studio is not only a creatively calm place to be – but it’s home to multiple talented experts who’re willing to share their expertise.

And the best part? You can make whatever you want as you destress.

With no entry requirements, the studio allows for beginners to work alongside experts, all learning from each other.

Most courses last for 12 weeks, but due to demand a one-week intensive course is available, too.

Where: 11 Argall Avenue or Railway Arches 361-362

Price: prices start from £240 (for a 12-week course)

Tip: we recommend the 12-week Throwing course with Bisila Noha, starting in January

Tile-making

London-based artist Matthew Raw first designed his tile-making class back in 2011 to allow people to simply try tile-making – without having to commit to a 12-week course. And it works.

Divided into three two-hour sessions, Raw Ceramics Workshops aim to enhance your understanding of the historic significance of tiles, allow you to get to grips with clay, and leave with a few colourful tiles to call your own.

Not only are you in the hands of an expert, but it’s a calming class to take part in as you learn a new skill for life.

Care for a bonsai

Since seeing Karate Kid for the first time, we’ve all been more than a little intrigued by the calming qualities of a bonsai tree. So, why not learn how to care for one at Herons? And add it to your current plant collection at home or in the office.

Winner of 21 gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show, Peter Chan, has been teaching how to prune and repot bonsai trees for nearly 30 years.

Located at his Bonsai Nursery, Chan guides on how to care for your very own tree.